Is Ryzen 5 360 and GTX 1660 Super a Good Combination for 1440p Gaming?

When it comes to revising your gaming configuration for 1440p resolution, combining the AMD Ryzen 5 360 with the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super might seem like a compelling choice. However, is this combination indeed suitable for achieving high frame rates and smooth gameplay? Let's delve into the details.

Understanding 1440p and PC Components

1440p, or QHD, offers a higher pixel count than 1080p, providing a more detailed and immersive gaming experience. However, this comes with a trade-off in terms of requirements for both the CPU and GPU.

The Role of CPU and GPU in 1440p Gaming

For gaming at 1440p, a modern CPU is necessary to handle the increased load on the graphics rendering process. The AMD Ryzen 5 360 is an older processor that is less powerful compared to newer models like the Ryzen 7 3700, which offers better performance in multithreaded applications.

As for the GPU, the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super is a mid-range card that's strong for 1080p and certain 1440p scenarios. However, it struggles to maintain high frame rates in 1440p, especially at higher settings. Most modern games require more powerful GPUs, such as the RTX 2060 or above, to achieve stable performance at 1440p.

Real-World Performance Concerns

Given the capabilities of both the Ryzen 5 360 and GTX 1660 Super, this combination is likely to struggle in several areas:

Lower Frame Rates: At 1440p, you might encounter significantly lower frame rates, especially in demanding games. The combination is more suited for 1080p with high to ultra settings. Online Multiplayer Gaming: If you're targeting online multiplayer games, the performance might be unsatisfactory as the card cannot consistently provide a stable 60 FPS. Low Frame Rates at High Settings: Even if you lower the graphics settings, you may still experience lower frame rates, making the gaming experience less enjoyable.

Optimal Combinations for 1440p Gaming

To achieve the best 1440p gaming experience, you should consider the following setups:

For High Performance: A combination of Ryzen 7 3700 or higher with an RTX 2070 Super or above is ideal, as it offers the necessary performance to handle 1440p at high settings. For Optimal Balance: If you're working with a budget, you can still get decent results with a Ryzen 5 360 and an RTX 2060, but you would be better off with an RTX 3060 if possible. For Good, But Not Excellent: An RX 5700 XT (AMD) or RTX 2060 Super (NVIDIA) can work well with a Ryzen 5 360 for 1440p gaming, but the frame rates might be lower than expected.

Conclusion

In summary, while the combination of Ryzen 5 360 and GTX 1660 Super can run games at 1440p, it is not recommended if you require high-frame rate performance or plan to run games at high or ultra settings. For the best 1440p gaming experience, a more modern CPU and higher-end GPU are crucial. Always consider the requirements of the games you play to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.